'I want to prioritise our spending on bobbies not bricks': More than a dozen police stations across the Dyfed-Powys force area are set to close

Six stations will close in Carmarthenshire, along with four in Pembrokeshire and four in Powys - with a further two undecided

More than a dozen police stations across the Dyfed-Powys force area are set to close, as bosses focus budgets on funding more frontline police officers.

They say scrapping the under-used stations which are costly to maintain is part of a plan to create a force “more in tune with modern public needs”.

Six stations will close in Carmarthenshire, along with four in Pembrokeshire and four in Powys- with a further two undecided.

It comes as the force is coping with funding cuts of around £7.5m, and follows a review of all properties used by the police across the area. The closures, will see some alternative sites opened, while mergers with existing stations are planned in some cases.

The force uses around 70 sites with total annual running costs of around £2.9m and a 10-year maintenance requirement of around £10.3m.

The change comes as part of a long-term estates strategy agreed by Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon and Chief Constable Simon Prince.

Mr Salmon, who owns the police estate as part of his work, said the strategy aims to balance the need for community policing and other force operations with the cost of using and maintaining buildings with public money.

Carmarthen, Llandeilo, Newcastle Emlyn, Cross Hands, Burry Port and St Clears are to close in Carmarthenshire, while in Pembrokeshire, Fishguard, Milford Haven, Saundersfoot and St Davids are to close. Knighton, Llanfyllin, Llanidloes and Machynlleth and to close in Powys, while Crickhowell and Hay-on-Wye stations are under review with potential to retain or relocate.

“I want to prioritise our spending on bobbies not bricks,” said Mr Salmon.

He said front line services will be prioritised with innovation in the use of buildings and technology.

He added: “We’re looking at solutions such as sharing spaces with partner agencies and organisations. Much of our existing property will be retained but the services operated from some will relocate to nearby premises in the same community.”

The process is expected to take up to three years, with individual plans drawn up for each area.

Plaid Cymru Mid and West AM Simon Thomas said the move was not demonstrating a desire to protect front line services. He said: “My Plaid Cymru colleague [Carmarthenshire] Councillor Emlyn Dole has highlighted the threat to scrap the Bobby Van scheme. Over the past 15 years, the Bobby Van scheme has helped more than 30,000 householders – mostly elderly and vulnerable people – to secure their homes and make them feel safe. But now it’s due to end, unless the Dyfed Powys Police Commissioner intervenes.”

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